Cricket News: Prabath Jayasuriya and Emma Lamb named ICC Player of the Month

In the women's category, the honour went to the English off-break bowler, Emma Lamb. International Cricket Council announced the results on August 8, 2022.

Prabath Jayasuriya earned the award for his brilliant performance with the ball in his maiden Test series against Australia at the home ground in the ICC World Test Championship series.

The spinner gave a fantastic performance in his debut Test match, taking six wickets to 118 runs in the first innings and six wickets to 59 runs in the second innings to help Sri Lanka secure a victory by an innings and 39 runs.

Prabath Jayasuriya continued with his excellent performance in the Test series against Pakistan. Sri Lanka lost the match, but Jayasuriya threatened Pakistan with five wickets to 82 runs in the first innings and four wickets off 135 runs in the second innings.

Prabath Jayasuriya clinched the fourth five-wicket haul in the second innings 5/117 of the second Test Series match against Pakistan to help Sri Lanka secure a 246-run victory.

The debut became even more memorable for Prabath Jayasuriya as he beat French sensation Gustav McKeon and Jonny Bairstow of England to clinch the monthly award.

After receiving the award, Prabath Jayasuriya said, "I am delighted with this announcement, and wish to thank the fans for voting me as the ICC Men's Player of the Month."

He added, "I take this opportunity to thank my fans, teammates, coaches, family and friends for helping my journey, and thrilled with what I am experiencing at this moment in my life."

Emma Lamb rightfully earned the award owing to her brilliant performances during the three-match ODI series against South Africa. 

Emma Lamb was selected for the honour following her match-winning innings of 102 runs off 97 balls, followed by two half-centuries in the next two matches. 

The 24-year-old Britisher scored 234 runs in three innings to get nominated for the award. She won the trophy after beating compatriot Nat Sciver and Indian bowler Renuka Singh.

In a press release issued by ICC, Emma Lamb said, "It is very exciting to have been awarded the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July. I am very happy to have earned my spot at the top of the order in the Test and ODI team. It has been brilliant to be able to score some runs and help the team win."